Name: Lord Jim
Author: Joseph Conrad
ISBN: 9780192816252

Lord Jim

Joseph Conrad

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Author Description

Contains the Author's Note.

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

A young merchant seaman faces a lifelong crisis of conscience after abandoning a ship of pilgrims in a moment of panic. Jim, a promising officer, finds his professional reputation and personal identity shattered by a single act of cowardice aboard the Patna. He spends the remainder of his life attempting to outrun this failure, seeking redemption in the remote corners of the Malay Archipelago. The narrative framework is complex, utilizing a multi-layered perspective primarily through the character Marlow, who pieces together Jim's history through fragmented accounts and retrospective analysis.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Non-linear narrative structure
Use of an unreliable narrator
Exploration of moral ambiguity
Detailed maritime settings
Psychological character study
Themes of honor and betrayal
Philosophical inquiries into human nature
Shift in narrative perspective

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers and critics frequently analyze the intricate narrative structure, noting how the shifting perspectives contribute to the ambiguity of Jim's character. Discussion often centers on the tension between the protagonist's internal ideals and his external actions. Many observers highlight the atmospheric prose, which captures the isolation of the sea and the weight of past mistakes. The work is recognized for its examination of the psychological consequences of shame and the difficulty of achieving true redemption. Critics often point to the influence of Marlow as a device that forces the reader to participate in the interpretation of Jim's moral standing.

Page Count:
460

Publication Date:
1983-11-17

Publisher:
Oxford University Press

ISBN-10:
019281625X

ISBN-13:
9780192816252

Adventure

Literary Fiction

classic

Psychological

Maritime

Indonesia fiction